Prayer Book '03-WEB - Order of Christian Workers · 2006. 4. 2. · St. Dismas Community has become known regionally and nationally as a safe and sacred place for pilgrims who struggle

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Liturgies,

Learningsand

Pastoral Rites

Order of Christian Workers

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Welcometo our Community

and to our life together;we are honored by your presence,

for we know that the stranger,as well as the friend,brings us the Christ!

Please know thatall people are welcome

at this Table.Our prayer is that youwill be with us often...

The Order of Christian WorkersP.O. Box 4155, Tyler, Texas 75712

(903) 595-3191The Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Jackson, Abbot

[email protected]

St. Dismas House1601 N. Bois d’Arc Ave.

Tyler, Texas 75702(903) 595-0757

© Order of Christian Workers, Advent, 2003

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Liturgies,Learnings

& Pastoral Rites

ContentsIntroduction Page 2A Brief History Page 5A Glossary Page 7Eucharistic Celebrations

Gathering, Word, and The Peace Page 10A Mass of Joy Page 15A Mass of Sacred Reunion Page 22A Mass of Reconciliation Page 29A Mass of Gratitude Page 36

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism Page 42A Liturgy of Healing Page 45A Liturgy of Holy Union Page 52A Rite for Godparenting Page 59Sacrament of Reconciliation Between Two People Page 62Prayers of

Blessing & Healing Page 65A Litany for a Companion

Near Death Page 68Mourning, Remembrance,

And Gratitude Page 71A Funeral Liturgy Page 73A Rite for the Blessing of a Home Page 83Amazing Grace (hymn) Page 88Learnings Page 89Notes on Liturgy of Holy Union Page 94Resources Page 97

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IntroductionWelcome to the fifth edition of our liturgical Rites.Our format in this latest edition is to divide the previous,

single edition into two new booklets: Liturgies, Learnings &Pastoral Rites, which includes the weekly Communion services(including new Eucharistic versions), Baptism, and Healing—aswell as the pastoral rites: a Rite of Holy Union, a Liturgy ofGodparenting, the Sacrament of Reconciliation of Two People,Prayers for various occasions, a Litany for a Companion NearDeath, a Funeral Liturgy, a Liturgy for the Blessing of a Home,as well as a Glossary and a section we call “Learnings”; aseparate booklet, Lenten Rites, includes the weekly LentenMass, Maundy Thursday Agape Meal, and the Good FridayStations of the Cross.

The Order of Christian Workers is a nondenominational,ecumenical, spiritual community. We, as Companions, comefrom many religious and spiritual traditions and backgroundsthroughout the U.S. and abroad, which allows us to celebrateand honor diversity. In the process of living and acting daily inthe midst of that diversity, we have found that we need ananchor, a common lexicon of our life together...and so, over theyears, our common liturgies have come to be the cornerstone ofCommunity gathering and expression.

It is not our desire or intent to create an “authorized” statement of personal belief or Community expression, butrather to offer an outline of celebration and action, aroundwhich we might gather and tell our stories of God’s place in ourlives and hearts. Consequently, we write and re-write thesepages every few years, adapting the communal words to ourcontinuing discoveries and growth, yet maintaining the originaltheme of a shared journey to the heart of God.

Perhaps the last known words of the wonderful monk,Thomas Merton, will convey our intended spirit and focus as anOrder:

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What we are asked to do at presentis not so much to speak of Christas to let him live in usso that people may find himby feeling how he lives in us.

That is, of course, a demanding process, and as we continue tostruggle in and for community, we remind ourselves of thevarying gifts of others, as well as the grace of God. And as welive and grow together, we find that the words of another monk,Brother Toby McCarroll, evidence the process itself:“All we really have to share are our stories of how we live.” Our stories,like the spiritual drama in these pages, tend toward the lessonsof our Teacher among his own havurah: gathering... struggle...sharing... forgiveness... understanding. And then we begin thedrama again!

As we increasingly understand that our liturgy, ourwork, and our life in community are, in fact, “spiritual” rather than “religious,” open rather than rigid, grace-full rather thanoverly controlled or self-righteous, then the words in this bookhave more sense and more life to us, and those words then flowfrom our hearts and souls, rather than simply drone from ourlips!

Consequently, the booklets are meant to be spiritualguides for us as we continue our ministry of servanthood toothers...and receive their ministry to us.

We remind ourselves that the primary intent of prayer isto listen (with all of our senses!) before, during, and after ourpetitions... and ultimately to simply offer thanks. Therefore,prayers herein are not meant to be “orthodox” in either content or form, but rather are meant to be as guides to expressing whatour souls utter; if one wishes to change any or all to meetpersonal belief or expression, that is certainly appropriate. Also,we pray as “we,” even in personal prayer, as a reminder of our oneness in the Body of Christ.

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“Liturgy” (from the Greek root meaning “the work of the people”) is a matter of the children of God expressing theirlives in a drama of God... and so the liturgical dramas offeredherein are intended to be alive, passionate, and reconciling; wemay grow to understand that there are no perfect words in anyvocabulary or religion or spiritual path to express the Ultimatein all places at all times, except those, of course, which emanatefrom our hearts and souls.The Eucharist (“thanksgiving”)—oursacred meal together—is our central focus and celebration,regardless of the Community occasion.

The section of “Learnings” is simply a collection of reminders of discoveries we have encountered along The Way.You may want to write your own learnings for personal and/orgroup reflection.

The “Resources” section denotes books which have beenhelpful to various pilgrims as we’ve searched for the historical/historic Jesus; for the spiritual life; for the means ofdeveloping and nurturing community; for ways to understandand obtain recovery; for ways to understand and enact servant-leadership; and for means to express our own pilgrimage.

The “Glossary” offers brief meanings to special words or names we use, especially those which may not be familiar toall people.

As we continue to adapt and revise these liturgies to theneeds of our Community, we will appreciate whatever ideas ordiscernment you wish to offer or commend.

As you read and/or use this book, you might want toalso visit our website: www.orderofchristianworkers.org tolearn more of our life and work together; email contact with usis also available on the website, as well as information onpublications, posters, etc.

May we come to know—through sharing andcelebration—the joy of the Original Blessing in our personaland common lives.... Fr. Tom, Abbot

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A Brief History“St. Dismas House”was opened as a House of

Hospitality at 1601 N. Bois d’Arc in Tyler, Texas, on May 9, 1993, by Father Tom Jackson...and it was from there thatstruggle and joy and Community blossomed.

Father Tom, ordained an Episcopal priest in 1968, hadworked in various ministries throughout the U.S. (as a parishpriest in both the inner city and the suburbs, and as director of aUnited Campus Ministry), and concurrently completed Ph.D.studies in clinical psychology and hypnotherapy, serving asdirector of a community mental health center, a diocesancounselor, and a pastoral counselor/therapist. In 1990, hedecided to form an ecumenical, spiritual community ofCompanions throughout the country, and named it the“Community of Hope“; in 1992 he went to learn and work with the Roman Catholic “Andre House” workers in Phoenix. From those experiences, and through readings of the lives of DorothyDay, Henri Nouwen, and others, he decided as Abbot, in 1993,to re-dedicate (and re-name) “The Order of Christian Workers” to work with the poor and struggling.

St. Dismas Community has become known regionallyand nationally as a safe and sacred place for pilgrims whostruggle along The Way: those with HIV/AIDS, those in variousminorities, those working in Recovery, immigrants, children atrisk, and those of various economic circumstances who wish toform spiritual community; thus, the Community has continuallypromoted dialogue and community-building through activitiesat St. Dismas House and through the monthly newsletter,Journey.

In the ensuing years, as more and more pilgrims frommany different religious and vocational backgrounds becameactive in the work and spirit of the Order, various Companionshave been blessed as monks and nuns, as servant-leaderscommitted to a lifelong involvement in the ministry and work.

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None of the Servant-leaders or the Companions of the Orderreceive salary; all operating funds come from begging ratherthan grants or denominational budgets. After working under the“umbrella” of a local parish for several years, the Order was officially accepted as a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable andreligious organization in 1996, and the continuing work isdirected by the Abbot, with the supervision and approval of theBoard of Trustees.

In these past years, several Houses have been renovatedto provide sacred sanctuary for healing, work, prayer, andliturgy: St. Dismas House, St. Clare House, MaryHouse, St.Gandhi House, St. Dorothy Day House, St. Peter Maurin House,St. Oscar Romero House, St. Jude House of Children, andSanctuary (Grace House and Hosanna House), all in Tyler. Insolidarity of ministry, spirit, and work are: the TemenosCommunity (San Francisco) and the St. Francis House andCommunity (Birmingham, AL), as well as a new community—Christ Community—in Culver, Indiana. From such, Communitygrows…a contagious sense of new life and hope begins…and spirits soar to reunion with the heart of God.…

How to reach us:Order of Christian Workers

P.O. Box 4155Tyler, Texas 75712-4155

903-595-3191903-595-5183 (fax)

[email protected]

www.orderofchristianworkers.org

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A GlossaryAgapé From theGreek meaning “love;”related to the

concept of sacred fellowship and community,especially in terms of meals shared incommunion; pronounced aga-pay.

Bell We ring a bell at various times in our liturgies toremind us of special, uniquely sacred momentsof drama and remembrance.

Buddha The Fifth-century BC Indian philosopher andfounder of Buddhism.

Celebrant The person designated to animate a liturgy orservice.

Clare The Twelfth-century nun and founder of thespiritual community “The Poor Clares,”andspiritual partner of Francis of Assisi.

Companion A fellow pilgrim/community member.Crossing The act of making the sign of the cross onone’s

body as a remembrance of the Christ;designated with the symbol () in this book.

Damien Damien de Veuster, Nineteenth-century monkwho lived and died with lepers.

Dismas The name given to the criminal who wascrucified with Jesus...and who was promisedParadise.

Dorothy Day The Twentieth-century laywoman and peaceactivist who founded The Catholic Workerand houses of hospitality for the poor.

Eucharist [from the Greek for thanksgiving] Thecelebration of the Last Supper; communion.

Ecumenical Universal, referring to the sharing ofhumankind’s spiritual journey, anddenoting non-denominational ormulti-denominational activities.

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Father God/Mother God Expression of the all-inclusive essence of God,

beyond gender or other human boundaries.Francis The Twelfth-century monk and spiritual

founder of the Franciscan community,emphasizing the mystical union of all livingthings.

Grace The gift of the unconditional love of God for allof Creation, seen and experienced in daily life.

Havurah [from the Aramaic for company of friends] Thelove experienced in inclusive community andfellowship; pronounced “ha-voo-rah.”

Hosanna [from Greek for save us] An exclamation ofpraise to God.

Martinof Georgia Twentieth-century civil rights activist and

spiritual leader, martyred in 1968.MaryMagdalene Jesus’friend and companion and apostle, who

remained committed to him throughout hisministry and death.

Mass An abbreviated expression referring to theact of celebrating Communion.

Mohammed Sixth-century prophet and messenger;founder of Islam.

MohandasGandhi The Twentieth-century Indian Hindu mahatma;

civil rights activist; teacher of peaceful civildisobedience; inclusive of all loving spiritualexpressions to God; martyred in 1948.

Namasté A Sanskrit word of greeting, meaning (briefly):The Divine (or Christ) in me greets the Divine(or Christ) in you; pronounced nama-stay.

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OscarRomero The Twentieth-century Roman Catholic

archbishop who was martyred for hiscommitment to civil and spiritual rights.

The Peace The act (especially during Communion) ofgreeting fellow pilgrims and passing the Peaceof God among them with joy and celebration.

Sacrament From the Latin word sacramentum, meaning“oath;”a rite or act in which the communityacknowledges, in a special and sacred way, thePresence of the Christ within us.

Eucharistic Celebrations

The following Table liturgies have a common beginning:GatheringGreeting

WordPrayers

The Peace

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THE GATHERING

We gather in respectful quietness...and a bell is rung to bring our attention to

our presence together.

[A song may be offered]

THE BECKONINGCelebrant: Namasté: the Christ-Spirit within me greets the

Christ-Spirit within you!People: Namasté: the Christ-Spirit within us greets you!Celebrant: Beckoned or unbeckoned, the Reign of God is

present among us!People: We open our eyes and our ears, our hearts and

our souls to the Presence of the Christ within usand among us.

Celebrant: We journey here as pilgrims, seeking that sacredreunion with God, with our spiritualCompanions, with our spiritual selves,

People: seeking the Gift who will beckon us to bemembers one of another in the Community ofNew Life.

[The Celebrant welcomes all to the Celebration—especially those who are visiting for the first time—andoffers any special intentions, and continues]

Celebrant: In anticipation of this holy Meal and of ouropportunity to share this Life together, wealways begin with moments of silence, toremember why God beckoned us to this place atthis time...

[Silence is observed, and then]

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We offer great thanks, praise, and gratitude, OGod, for the grace which allows us to be togetheronce again!

THE WORD

Readings[Selections of ancient or contemporary wisdom and/orthe life of a saint may be offered by Companions][A song may be offered after any of the readings]

Reflection[A Companion may be asked or wish to speak on amatter of importance in his or her life]

The Gospel[The people are asked to stand, and a bell is rung beforethe appointed Gospel is announced by the Celebrant orsomeone appointed:]

Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of the Christ according to_______________.

[The reader concludes the reading by saying:]Celebrant: The Gospel of the Christ.People: Thanks be to the Christ for Living Truth.

Sermon/Homily[The Celebrant or other Companion reflects upon theGospel]

Speak the Gospel at all times.If necessary, use words….

St. Francis of Assisi

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THE PRAYERSThe Prayers of the People

[A Companion is asked to beckon the Community toopen prayer, inviting petitions, prayers, hopes, andthanksgivings]

As we perceive the Presence of God in our midst,we are called to be especially mindful of:The Creation in all its wholeness...The Family of all peoples in all places...Our own families, both of origin and choice...Our friends and neighbors...Those who are close but far away...Those who are far away but close...Those whom we have trouble loving, including ourselves...Those whom we have called enemies...Those who are in daily need...Those who suffer in body or spirit...Our ancestors, both ancient and recent...Those who have been recently born...or died...Those who are seeking rebirth...Those who hold public trust in all places...Those who are in a state of change or sorrow...Those who have a special need...

[The people offer their petitions and concerns, eithervocally or silently]

And we celebrate the many blessings and joys of this life,giving heartfelt thanks for abundant Grace:

[The people offer their thanksgivings, either vocally orsilently]

In our passion to have You with us always, O Christ; inreflection on our moments in the wilderness of our lives; in ourconstant hope for a transformation of our hearts; in our gratitudefor the promise of reconciliation...we recite, in one voice, the

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glorious prayer of liberation which you taught us from the heartof God:(ALL) Our Creator in heaven,

Holy is Your Name;Your reign has come,Your will be doneon earth as it is in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us.Strengthen us in the time of trial,and deliver us from evil.For the Dominion,the Power,and the Glory are Yours,now and forever.Amen.

Celebrant: Our Eternal Creator and Healer, You forgive usand all people of earthly transgressions:

People: as we empty ourselves, You offer us a newfulfillment of love, of freedom, of acceptance,

Celebrant: as we know that You wish only for our healthand well-being;

ALL: we accept now, openly and in grace, Yourunconditional love and forgiveness,

Celebrant: even as we forgive ourselves and others for thefrailties of this life—knowing, too, that we areone with You and each other in Your Presence;

ALL: strengthen us in new peace,in new sight,in new understanding,as You guide us to the vision of the Domain ofLife and Hope. Amen.

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THE PEACE

Celebrant: In the Grace of forgiveness and acceptance, withthe assurance of Love and New Hope amongstus, we always say to one another with great joy:The Peace of God be always with you!

People: And also with you![All those present greet and bless one another in joyand thanksgiving]

[Announcements or special intentions may be made afterThe Peace]

Following the Passing of the Peace, the Celebrant willannounce the specific Thanksgiving and Consecrationwhich will be used for the Celebration of that occasion:A Mass of Joy Page 15A Mass of Sacred Reunion Page 22A Mass of Reconciliation Page 29A Mass of Gratitude Page 36

When asked by the religious authoritiesto identify the Great Commandment,

Jesus surprised and scandalized them by answering that therewere really two:“You will love Godwith all your heartand all your mind

and all your strength...and you will love

your neighbor as well.From these two commandments matters everything that has

ever mattered...”

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A MASS OF

JOYTHE GREAT THANKSGIVING

[A song is sung or a bell is rung]Celebrant: Alleluia, we are beckoned to the Table of joy!People: We gather with thanksgiving in sacred havurah!Celebrant: Yahweh, our Creator and Holy Counselor, is

within you!People: And also within you!Celebrant: Lift your hearts to God in love and celebration!People: We lift them in the love and the Spirit of the

Christ!Celebrant: Let our hearts be filled with the joy and gratitude

of the wondrous blessings we receive each day!People: Such grace calls us to celebrate always this

joyous Meal of thanksgiving and remembrance,Celebrant: for You, O God, are the true desire of every heart

and the treasure we can hardly name.People: May this drama of reconciliation remind us that

You call our hearts to You in solidarity andOneness;

Celebrant: for you have filled our dust with Your Spirit,with the very Essence of Your Love!

People: The feelings and passions You created reflect theearthquake of Your Love for us and for all ofCreation,

Celebrant: calling us always to be Your Family and to liveYour Peace.

People: Lover of all hearts, let us hear Your music, sothat we may sing daily the words of Your song.

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Celebrant: Lover of all souls, remind us that we arebeckoned to be One with You and each other,

People: as you deliver us from the terrors that haunt anddivide and consume us,

Celebrant: leading us to that holy place where we mayenvision Your endless compassion as we cometo know the Spirit of the Christ;

People: as we come to feel the Spirit of Christ;Celebrant: as we come to express the Spirit of Christ in the

ministry You modeled in the washing of feet, thehealing of lives, and the simple Presence ofsolidarity.

People: It is through that Spirit that You continue to kissthe earth and draw all of Your Creation to You:

Celebrant: all souls, all peoples, all creatures and livingparts of this island home;

People: in that same Spirit, then, with one voice, we offerour song of universal joy:

ALL: Holy, Holy, Holy One,God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of Your glory.Hosanna in the highest!Blessed is the One who comes in the Spirit ofGod.Hosanna in the highest!

THE CONSECRATIONCelebrant: On his final night of earthly life and struggle and

reflection, our Teacher gathered again in sacredhavurah with the men, women, and children whohad shared in his life, his ministry and his love;and during the community meal, he took thecommon bread [a bell is rung], said a blessingover it, broke the bread, and gave it to his

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companions, saying,People: “As with my Body, this shall be your community

sacrament of Love andForgiveness and Grace.”Celebrant: Let us eat this, sharing our struggles, our glories,

our Community, and our love, now and forever,People: knowing that it will always serve as a reminder

of the holy food of Grace.Celebrant: As the meal ended, he took the cup of common

drink [a bell is rung], gave thanks for it, andsaid,

People: “This will be the Lifeblood of Grace andRighteousness, the veryWellspring of New Life.”

Celebrant: Let us drink of this, each and all, as a sign of ournew, eternal Covenant, remembering his sacredwords of memorial and hope:

People: “Do this always, now and forever, inthanksgiving and celebration for the Grace ofGod.”

Celebrant: We do give eternal thanks for endless Grace,People: even aswe pledge to live our Teacher’s

command:ALL: “Love one another as I have loved you.”Celebrant: O Father God/Mother God,People: Creator and Sustainer of all blessings in

Creation;Celebrant: God of Servants and Saints, both ancestors and

present Companions;People: God of the poor, the struggling, the afflicted,Celebrant: those who too often stand alone, calling to You

in us;People: Creator of the Divine spark in our spiritual

souls, inspiriting us to be pilgrims, peacemakers,and holy fools;

Celebrant: God of (N....) and all of those whom we

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remember and carry in our hearts and souls thisday;

People: God of the Christ, who lives within each of us,call us to Your Domain of true hospitality;

Celebrant: call us to humility and servant-leadership;People: call us to learning and teaching and healing;Celebrant: call us to presence and the courage of sacred

action;People: call us, each and every one, to the True

Community of forgiveness and renewal.Celebrant: Grant us strength in all of these endeavors,People: remembering that You stand with us forever,Celebrant: So that the Grace of this Holy Act will make us

one body, one Spirit in Christ, that we mayjoyfully serve the world in Your Name.

[The Bread is broken]Celebrant: Alleluia! The Grace of New Life is given to us!People: We share and celebrate these holy gifts!

Alleluia!

THE INVITATION TO AND SHARINGOF THE HOLY MEAL

Celebrant: Gifts of God for the children of God.Take them in remembrance that the Christ doeslive within you, and that you are to share thatChristness with all of Creation all the days ofyour life. Amen.

People: Amen.[The Elements are shared among the Community... AndALL people who seek the Christ within them are invitedto receive the Eucharist][The Celebrant receives communion personally and forall those who are not physically present.]

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THE COMMISSION[The Celebrant asks a Companion to lead the recitation]

Companion: As we prepare to carry our lives and ministry toour brothers and sisters, in humility andcommitment, we remember the commission fromSt. Francis: O Christ, make us instruments ofyour peace. Where there is hatred,

People: let us sow love.Companion: Where there is injury,People: let us offer pardon.Companion: Where there is discord,People: let us seek union.Companion: Where there is doubt,People: let us acknowledge faith.Companion: Where there is despair,People: let us offer hope.Companion: Where there is darkness,People: let us shed light.Companion: Where there is sadness,People: let us enliven joy.Companion: Allow us to console; allow us to understand,

allow us the Grace to love,People: for it is in giving that we receive;Companion: it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;People: and it is in dying that we are born to New Life!Amen.

[A song or other music may be offered]

THE COMMUNITY BLESSINGCelebrant: O Holy One, lead us forth into the world in the

peace and love of the Christ.People: We go forth joyfully to live in that peace and

love!Celebrant: Lead us forth with the courage we see in blessed

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St. Martin of Georgia, in blessed St. OscarRomero, in blessed St. Mohandas Gandhi, and inall the saints around us.

People: We go forth inspired to live in courage andhope!

Celebrant: Lead us forth with the joy we see in blessed St.Francis and in blessed St. Clare and in all thesaints around us.

People We go forth eager to live in joy and celebration!Celebrant: Lead us forth with the commitment and love we

see in blessed St. Dorothy Day, blessed Mary theMagdalene, and in all the saints around us.

People: We go forth committed to live in love andhospitality!

Celebrant: Lead us forth into the Companionship we see inblessed St. Dismas, in blessed St. Damien and inall the saints around us.

People: We go forth together to live in the gift and thestrength of Companionship!

Celebrant: Lead us forth in the knowledge that the Grace ofGod will always beckon our return to sacredcommunity.

People: We go forth and will return in the Grace of God!Celebrant: Let us reach out to each other in all sorts of

embarrassing and encompassing ways,People: for it is only in reaching that we touch.Celebrant: We go, then, with the Blessing of

God our Creator,God the Universal Christ, andGod the Spiritual Manifestation of Grace andHope, now and forever.

People: Thanks be to God!

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Celebrant: The Meal is ended... Go in peace, seekingjustice!

People: Amen! So be it! Amen![A song or other music may be offered]

If I, then,your Teacher,

have washed your feet,you should washeach other’sfeet.

I have given youan example....

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A MASS OFSACRED REUNION

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING[A song is sung or a bell is rung]

Celebrant: Rejoice! Our God of mercy and compassion isamong us!

People: Alleluia! Our Christ of Grace is within us!Celebrant: You beckon us, O God, to a banquet of New

Life!People: We gather at Your Table in hope and

anticipation.Celebrant: You continue to beckon us as Your beloved

children,People: even as we seek that holy reunion with You and

each other—in heart, mind, and soul.Celebrant: You continually remind us of our sacred kinship,People: whatever our condition, whatever our need.Celebrant: You lead us from the darkness of our wildernessPeople: to the Light of our transformation.Celebrant: You bring reunion with the inner passion of our

hearts;People: You beckon a reunion with the deepest dreams of

our newborn souls.Celebrant: In our stumblings and chaos and foolish

obsessions,People: You offer the reunion of Your very Self within us.Celebrant: When we despair of any possibility of

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reconciliation with You or with our brothers andsisters,

People: You teach us again the melody and words of thesong of reunion.

Celebrant: When we are certain that our path leads us onlyto our endless nowheres,

People: You beckon us to that glorious journey of TheWay.

Celebrant: When we are certain that we have lost everything that we call absolute treasure,

People: You offer reunion with every Grace that is theGift.

Celebrant: For that endless, abundant Grace which flowsfrom Your Presence as a mighty river ofblessings and New Life,

People: we lift our hearts to You in joyous thanksgiving!Celebrant: In jubilation, we offer ourselves to You;People: in gratitude, we offer ourselves to each other in

Your Name.Celebrant: And in Your Name, we will be in reunion with

our brothers and sisters, following the exampleof Your life among us:

People: food for the hungry, clothing for the naked,Celebrant: healing for the sick, community for the outcast,People: solidarity with the powerless, hope for the

forgotten,Celebrant: welcome to our enemies, hospitality to the

stranger;People: for often You come to us in the stranger’s guise.Celebrant: In the mystery of Your love of reconciliation,People: in the Gift of Your fulfilling love within us,Celebrant: in the glory of all that You are, we sing with all

of Creation our hymn of universal joy:

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ALL: Holy, Holy, Holy One,God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of Your glory.Hosanna in the highest!Blessed is the One who comes in the Spirit ofGod.Hosanna in the highest!

THE CONSECRATIONCelebrant: We are reminded, in this sacred rite, that on the

night before his trial and his ultimate tribulation,the Anointed One shared a meal of reunion andkinship with his havurah, his company ofwomen, men, and children with whom he hadshared a lifetime:

People: a lifetime of laughter and tears and passions andhopes;

Celebrant: a lifetime of work and ministry;People: a lifetime of sharing and struggles.Celebrant: And in the surprise that is his holy essence,People: he washed our feet of clay and fear,Celebrant: to remind us of our vocation in God,People: to reunite us with our true selves.Celebrant: And then he took the common bread, [a bell is

rung], blessed it with holy spirit, broke it, andshared it with every soul, saying, “This becomes my Body within you, in the name of God; do thisin remembrance of God,

People: BE this in remembrance of God, now andforever. Amen.”

Celebrant: He took the cup of common drink [a bell isrung], gave thanks for it, blessed it with holyspirit, and said, “This isof my very blood andheart, which I offer to you; drink this in

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remembrance of the God who satisfies yourthirst for New Life;

People: BE this for all who seek God within you. Amen.”Celebrant: O Father God/Mother God, who gives us such

hope and promise to fulfill our discipleship,People: to love others as You love us:Celebrant: thank You for this Meal, this sacrament of

reconciliation, reunion, and remembrance;People: for all of Creation which abounds within us and

around us, allow us to be trustworthy stewardsof Your bounty.

Celebrant: Remind us of all the saints, prophets, andteachers of our past and present,

People: that we may continue to learn, and then teach inhumility.

Celebrant: Encourage us through peacemakers and holyfools,

People: that Your Domain may shine through us, too.Celebrant: Send Your Eternal blessings upon (N.) and all

those whom we carry in our hearts and prayerseach day,

People: that we may remember their blessings andkinship in our lives.

Celebrant: Reunite us in the forgiveness and renewal ofTrue Community,

ALL: and may the Grace of this Holy Act make us onebody, one spirit in the Christ, that we mayworthily serve all of Creation in Your Name.Amen.

[The Bread is broken]Celebrant: Rejoice! The Grace of New Life is given to us!People: Alleluia! We are anointed forever! Amen!

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Celebrant: Gifts of God for the children of God. Take themin remembrance that the Christ does live withinyou, and that you are to share that Christnesswith all of Creation all the days of your life.Amen.



Companion: As we prepare to carry our lives and ministry toour brothers and sisters, in humility andcommitment, we remember the commission fromSt. Francis:O Christ, make us instruments of your peace.Where there is hatred,

People: let us sow love.Companion: Where there is injury,People: let us offer pardon.Companion: Where there is discord,People: let us seek union.Companion: Where there is doubt,People: let us acknowledge faith.Companion: Where there is despair,People: let us offer hope.Companion: Where there is darkness,People: let us shed light.Companion: Where there is sadness,

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People: let us enliven joy.Companion: Allow us to console; allow us to understand,



THE COMMUNITY BLESSINGCelebrant: O Holy One, as we go forth into our busy and

demanding world once again,People: bless us with Your Spirit of peace and patience.Celebrant: As we go forth to serve You in others,People: reunite us with the courage and joy of all Your

saints, both named and unnamed.Celebrant: As we go forth to find and live the vocation to

which You call us,People: reunite us with Your spirit in ourselves.Celebrant: As we go forth as Your individual children,People: reunite us continually with the kinship of Your

sacred community.Celebrant: As we go forth to offer Your blessings to others,People: remind us to reach out in all sorts of

embarrassing and encompassing ways, for onlythen will we touch.

Celebrant: For we know that theBlessing of God our Creator,God the Universal Christ, andGod the Spiritual Manifestation of Grace andHope does go with us all, now and forever.


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Celebrant: The Meal is ended…Go in Peace, seeking justice!


This is whatYahweh

asks of you, only this:to act justly,

to love tenderly,to walk humblywith your God...

Micah

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A MASS OF

ReconciliationTHE GREAT THANKSGIVING

[A song is sung or a bell is rung]Celebrant: O God—our Creator, Sustainer, and

Counselor—we offer our heartfelt thanks forbeckoning us to this Table of reconciliation andpeace!

People: We thank You for caring about the void whichsometimes exists within us and between us.

Celebrant: We thank You for the wisdom that You offeredto us in the very person of the Nazarene, so thatwe may learn to be wise and loving in ourrelationships.

People: We seek Your sacred assistance in finding ourtrue selves, and finding You in others.

Celebrant: We give thanks for the Nazarene’s message that we are all children of God,

People: equally loved, equally gifted, equally human… even when we wish to deny the sacred in others.

Celebrant: We know deep within us that the Christ lives inour hearts and souls;

People: we seek ways of seeing and knowing the Christin our brothers and sisters.

Celebrant: We come to You and to each other with certainfears and uncertainties from our past,

People: with memories of previous hurts and pain andstruggles with other people.

Celebrant: We thank You, then, for helping us to stay in thepresent moment, to forgive ourselves of

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limitations or failings or disappointments in ourpersonal histories,

People: so that we may celebrate our mutual struggles,that we may hear Your healing words among us.

Celebrant: We thank You for Jesus’ model of humilityandhonesty, of empathy and compassion,

People: so that we may now share such gifts within usand among us.

Celebrant: By beckoning us to be together in this holy mealof continuing reconciliation, You allow us toremember the shortness of life;

People: You allow us to remember the importance oftrust and solidarity with others, as well asourselves;

Celebrant: allow each of us to search our memories, ourhearts, and our souls to bring forth those gifts toshare with each other,

People: even as we forgive those experiences andemotions which brought us pain and separation.

Celebrant: We thank You, O Blessed One, for yourPresence among us,

People: for reminding us—in our brothers and sisters—why it is that we gather in anticipation and joy;

Celebrant: for we have much to learn from each other,People: even as we are called to nurture each other;Celebrant: You gather us at the Table as a real and spiritual

exclamation that we are members one of another,People: just as we are members of Your new family of

grace.Celebrant: Thanks be to God!People: Thanks be to God!

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THE CONSECRATIONCelebrant: It was in such a spirit of reconciliation and

solidarity that Jesus beckoned his spiritualfamily—his havurah—together on the last nightof his physical life—

People: friends who had known struggles, betrayal,confusion, and fear—

Celebrant: reminding them, each and all, of what they nowpossessed in the gifts of community,

People: reminding them that each moment is both the endand the beginning of havurah.

Celebrant: He reminded every person at the Table that thechildren amongst them were the most vulnerablein life…and therefore our models of commitment,

People: even as he reminded each of us that we, too, arethe children of God.

Celebrant: As he looked at those faces—People: regardless of age or circumstance—Celebrant: he said to each and all,People: “I bless you in your life,Celebrant: I bless you in your sacredness,People: I bless you with all of my heart,Celebrant: I bless you with all of my soul.”People: We come likewise to seek such acceptance and

blessing.Celebrant: Then he took the common bread of their life,

[a bell is rung]People: gave thanks, broke it, and blessed it with the

words:Celebrant: “This becomes sacred to us, for it will remind us

forever of this Body we have together,People: this bread will become the soul of our Body!”

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Celebrant: And he took the common cup from the Table,[a bell is rung]

People: lifted it for all to see, gave thanks, and blessed itwith the words:

Celebrant: “This, too, is now sacred for all of us, for it will remind us forever of what gives the Body life;

People: this cup will become the lifeblood of our Body!”Celebrant: O Father God/Mother God, thank You for

bringing us once again to this Table ofcommunity,

People: to love others as You love us:Celebrant: thank You for this celebration of our mutual

needs and hopes;People: thank You for the never-ending promise of

reconciliation and new life among us.Celebrant: Remind us continually of the models You have

given us in saints and prophets, in friends andCompanions,

People: that we may continue to journey this path of bothstruggle and solidarity.

Celebrant: Encourage us through peacemakers and holyfools,

People: that Your Domain may live within us, too.Celebrant: Send Your Eternal blessings upon (N.) and all

those whom we carry in our hearts and prayerseach day,

People: that we may remember their blessings andkinship in our lives.

Celebrant: Reconcile us in the forgiveness and celebrationof True Community,

ALL: and may the Grace of this Holy Act make us onebody, one spirit in the Christ, that we mayworthily serve all of Creation in Your Name.Amen.

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[The Bread is broken]Celebrant: Rejoice! The Grace of New Life is given to us!People: Alleluia! Our Body is sacred forever! Amen!



People: Amen.[The Elements are shared among the Community... AndALL people who seek the Christ within them are invitedto receive the Eucharist][The Celebrant receives communion personally and forall those who are not physically present…and ends by saying Amen.]

People: Amen.



People: let us sow love.Companion: Where there is injury,People: let us offer pardon.Companion: Where there is discord,People: let us seek union.Companion: Where there is doubt,

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People: let us acknowledge faith.Companion: Where there is despair,People: let us offer hope.Companion: Where there is darkness,People: let us shed light.Companion: Where there is sadness,People: let us enliven joy.Companion: Allow us to console; allow us to understand,

allow us the Grace to love,People: for it is in giving that we receive;Companion: it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;People: and it is in dying that we are born to New Life!

Amen.[A song or other music may be offered]

THE COMMUNITY BLESSINGCelebrant: O Beloved One, as we venture out to continue

this journey with one another,People: reconcile us with Your Spirit of forgiveness.Celebrant: As we go forth to find You in others,People: reconcile us with the courage and unity of all

Your saints, both named and unnamed.Celebrant: As we go forth to declare Your reign,People: reconcile us with Your spirit among us.Celebrant: As we go forth to offer Your blessings to others,People: remind us to reach out in all sorts of

embarrassing and reconciling ways, for onlythen will we touch.



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Celebrant: The Meal is ended…Go in Peace, seeking justice!


We become members one of another

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A MASS OFGRATITUDE

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING[A song is sung or a bell is rung]

Celebrant: Thanks be to God!People: Thanks be to God!Celebrant: We have been given every gift of Creation;People: we have received the very gifts of life.Celebrant: We offer gratitude for the earth and air;People: may we show our thanks by keeping them pure.Celebrant: We offer gratitude for food to eat;People: may we show our thanks by feeding others.Celebrant: We offer gratitude for the clothes we wear;People: may we show our thanks by clothing the naked.Celebrant: We offer gratitude for the homes we have;People: may we show our thanks by sheltering others.Celebrant: We offer gratitude for our families;People: may we show our thanks by making a family of

our world.Celebrant: We offer gratitude for our health and well-being;People: may we show our thanks by healing others.Celebrant: We offer gratitude for what peace we enjoy;People: may we show our thanks by refusing war.Celebrant: We offer gratitude for our mentors and teachers;People: may we show our thanks by showing wisdom.Celebrant: We offer gratitude for those who support us;People: may we show our thanks by offering solidarity to

others.Celebrant: We offer gratitude for our children;

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People: may we show our thanks by protecting the mostvulnerable among us.

Celebrant: We offer gratitude for our friendships;People: may we show our thanks by being open to the

needs of others.Celebrant: We offer gratitude for work;People: may we show our thanks by being honest in our

endeavors.Celebrant: We offer gratitude for our freedoms;People: may we show our thanks by promoting justice.Celebrant: We offer gratitude for Community;People: may we show our thanks by celebrating our

havurah.

THE CONSECRATIONCelebrant: On the last night of his life, Jesus of Nazareth

called together his havurah,People: to share, once again, the work and ministry to a

wounded world.Celebrant: At the Table of their common life together,People: he offered, first, a thanksgiving of love and

gratitude,Celebrant: reminding himself and his Community of all the

women, men, and children who had made theirlife full of joy;

People: he spoke of the difficulties and struggles amongthem, giving thanks for their growth andlearnings.

Celebrant: And in the midst of this sacred meal together,People: he took the common table bread [a bell is rung],

gave thanks for it, broke it into pieces, and said,Celebrant: “Whenever we break and shareour Community

bread in the future, let us always be reminded of

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the gratitude we have for the essentials of life;People: let us always be grateful for the Body of our

souls.”Celebrant: In like manner, he took the common cup [a bell

is rung], gave thanks for it, and shared it with all,saying,“As we have harvested and enjoyed this gift from the earth and the sun,

People: let us always reap the harvest of our work andministry by sharing this cup forever.”

Celebrant: And then he thanked each woman, each man,each child for what they had offered to him,

People: even as every member of havurah hugged andblessed him in their own thanksgivings.

Celebrant: Oh, Father God/Mother God, keep us awake toour need for gratitude and grace,

People: awake to our blessings and kinship,Celebrant: awake to the possibilities of sharing,People: awake to the continuing harvest of solidarity;Celebrant: with each day, awaken us to the wisdom of our

ancestors,People: to the lessons of sharing and intimacy which

become the bread and wine of New Life.Celebrant: We thank you for prophets, peacemakers and

holy fools;People: we thank you for the courage to follow their

example of justice and charity.Celebrant: Bestow Your cherished blessings upon (N.) and

all those whom we carry in our hearts andprayers each day,

People: that we may remember their blessings andkinship in our own lives.

Celebrant: May we always be thankful for the forgivenessand renewal of True Community,

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ALL: even as the Grace of this Holy Act make us onebody, one spirit in the work, the ministry and thecommunity of the Christ. Amen.

[The Bread is broken]Celebrant: Rejoice! The Grace of New Life is given to us!People: Alleluia! We are anointed forever! Amen!






People: let us sow love.Companion: Where there is injury,People: let us offer pardon.Companion: Where there is discord,People: let us seek union.

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Companion: Where there is doubt,People: let us acknowledge faith.Companion: Where there is despair,People: let us offer hope.Companion: Where there is darkness,People: let us shed light.Companion: Where there is sadness,People: let us enliven joy.Companion: Allow us to console; allow us to understand,



THE COMMUNITY BLESSINGCelebrant: O Holy One, we go forth now into Your DomainPeople: with thankfulness and joy in our hearts and

souls.Celebrant: We go forth with all the saints,People: knowing that Your blessings are abundant and

continuing.Celebrant: We go forth eager to serve You in others, both

known and unknown,People: knowing that Your gifts of courage will sustain

us.Celebrant: We go forth to be Your Body in the world,People: for we have shared the food of Your sacred

Meal.Celebrant: We go forth to beckon others to our life together,People: knowing that in such kinship we will find You, as

always.Celebrant: We go forth to sing hosannas of thanksgiving,

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People: reaching out in all sorts of embarrassing andencompassing ways to those who may join us inthe song.


People: Thanks be to God!Celebrant: The Meal is ended…Go in Peace, seeking

justice!People: Amen! So be it! Amen!


What we are askedto do at presentis not so much

to speak of Christas to let him live in us,

so that people may find himby feeling

how he lives in us.Thomas Merton

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A LITURGY

OF THE SACRAMENT OFHOLY BAPTISM

The rite of baptism is a community liturgy within thecelebration of the Eucharist; the rite begins after the Prayersof the People; the Abbot will designate an adult in theCommunity to act as Sponsor for the person being baptized; ifthe person being baptized is an infant or child, a parent orgodparent will make the responses in trust for the child.

THE PILGRIMAGECelebrant: Within the ancient acts and traditions of

communities of faith offering blessing to one ofits members, in Your Name, to accept thefreedom of New Life and the mantle ofcompassion, this community of spiritualpilgrimage now stands in witness of this pilgrim,blessing and affirming their intention to live alife of servanthood and commitment in the Bodyof Christ.We bless this water and make it sacred, as anoutward and visible sign of the inner andspiritual grace which You now offer and bestow.

[to the Sponsor(s)]Please name this pilgrim.

Sponsor(s): [the pilgrim’s complete name is declared]Celebrant: N., do you acknowledge the Presence of God in

your life?Pilgrim: Yes, it is God’s gift of grace and strength and

hope.Celebrant: Do you wish to be baptized in the Name of God

45

the Creator, God the Christ, and God the EternalSpirit?

Pilgrim: Yes, I wish to be signed by God’s covenant;Celebrant: Do you accept this act as a spiritual washing of

your soul in the Presence of God and of thecommunity of Christ?

Pilgrim: Yes, that I may be washed of any spiritual doubtthat the Christ lives within me.

Celebrant: Do you believe that this sacred ritual remindsyou that you are God’s own child forever and ever?

Pilgrim: Yes, and such remembrance is that whichsustains me.

Celebrant: Therefore, do you intend to lead a sacred life ofservanthood and discipleship, respectingCreation and all that lives therein?

Pilgrim: Yes, I pray that I may share my person, mytalents, my struggles, and my ministry as aservant of the Christ.

[To the Sponsor]Celebrant: Will you be a special spiritual friend to (N.),

offering (him/her) your peace as befits a(brother/sister)-in-Christ, doing your best towalk with (him/her) on this sacred journey?

Sponsor: That is my gift, my commitment, and my prayer.[To the Community]

Celebrant: Will each and all of you bearing witness to thissacred act do all in your power to encourage,guide, support, and comfort this pilgrim on thisspiritual journey?

People: (loudly) WE WILL!

THE BAPTISMCelebrant: N., we give you the spiritual name of _______;

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[a spiritual name is given, along with a description ofthe attributes]

this name signifies your relationship as aspiritual family-member and servant to all ofyour brothers and sisters throughout your newlife in Christ.We baptize you in the name ofGod the Creator,God the Christ, andGod the Eternal Spirit. Amen!

People: Amen! So be it! Amen![The pilgrim is called into the center of the congregatedCommunity, where Companions lay hands on thebaptized person, as the Celebrant voices a blessing forthe entire Community]

Celebrant: God our Father, God our Mother, God the Christ,God the Eternal Spirit, blessed are You who hasinvited this pilgrim, N., whom we now bless, intoa life of sacred service of You, of the Body ofChrist, and of all the Creation.God of Abraham, Moses, Job, Ruth, Esther,Mary, Mohandas, Mohammed, the Buddha—ofall holy people whom You have called to lives ofpilgrimage in Your spirit—bless now, in thename of the Christ who offers eternal freedom,our (brother/sister)-in-Christ, N. Amen.We welcome N., and acknowledge (him/her) as aliving part of our life together forever. Amen.Thanks be to God, our Creator and Sustainer!

People: Thanks be to God forever and ever! Amen!Celebrant: In celebration of New Life, we say with great

joy: The Peace of God is now within you!People: And also within you!

[The people greet and bless one another]

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A

EUCHARISTIC LITURGYOF

HEALINGThe Community gathers in silence at the Table;

a bell is rung, and the Companion designated to act asCelebrant then begins:

THE GREETING & PRAYERSCelebrant: Alleluia! Beckoned or unbeckoned, the presence

of God is among us!People: May we be blessed by the Christ-Spirit within us!Celebrant: We gather in this sacred company, O God,

seeking Your blessing of respite, Your balm ofhealing.

People: Amid the tangled demands and busyness of oureverydays, You always beckon us to Your Peace.

Celebrant: Your Presence is wholeness in our struggles.People: Your Presence is peace in our turmoil.Celebrant: May You gather us to the health of Your bosom,People: so that we may offer amends to You, to

ourselves, and to those with whom we live andstruggle.

Celebrant: May each of us search our souls for the Christ-Spirit whom You have birthed within us;

People: and, together, bless our common life in You:

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Celebrant: May peace be in this place, and in all who dwellherein;

People: we make our hearts peaceful in sacredcommunity.

Celebrant: May we know that Your love surrounds us;People: above us, below us, around us, within us.Celebrant: May beauty surround us;People: let us be open to perceive and receive it.Celebrant: May sacred emptiness surround us;People: that we may know our inner needs.Celebrant: May deep healing surround us;People: and flow within us, each and all.Celebrant: May we open our eyes and our ears,People: our hearts and our souls,Celebrant: to the Grace of New Life;People: to the Grace in our lives;Celebrant: to the Grace in community;People: all of which is the Grace of God!Celebrant: Thanks be to You, O God;People: and thanks be to our brothers and sisters;Celebrant: thanks be for the wonders we are offered each

day;People: thanks be for all that we receive.Celebrant: Thanks be for the endless gift of Your Creation:People: the birds and beasts, the water and sky,Celebrant: the limitless universe and the abundant fruits of

this island home we call Earth;People: the companionship of others,Celebrant: the love we are given,People: the gentle touches that we receive.

[A reading of the Gospel may be offered here]Celebrant: Thanks be for the Gospel which reminds us daily

that we are blessed in our poor spirits, in ourgrief, in our gentleness;

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People: blessed in our hunger for justice, in our offeringof mercy, in our quest for peace.

Celebrant: We rejoice that You have given us words toproclaim everything that You have taught us,everything that we need to offer each day:

All: Our Creator in heaven,Holy is Your Name;Your reign has come,Your will be doneon earth as it is in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us.Strengthen us in the time of trial,and deliver us from evil.For the Dominion,the Power,and the Glory are Yours,now and forever.Amen.

Celebrant: O Father God/Mother God, into Your healingand care we now offer ourselves,

People: knowing that You wish only for our health andwell-being;

Celebrant: in our earthly concerns for others and ourselves,we know that You will hear our thoughts, ourwords, and our deepest hopes:

[Companions offer their prayers of struggle andthanksgiving, either silently or aloud]

Celebrant: Allow us to hear You, O Eternal Comforter andHealer!

People: Allow us to feel the special power of Your touch,

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Celebrant: to experience Your special healing of physical oremotional pain,

People: of separation in our relationships,Celebrant: of resentments, jealousies, hurts,People: of all other earthly concerns which distance us

or separate us from You...Celebrant: that again we may know the healing of Your

Presence in our lives.People: We thirst for spiritual refreshment;Celebrant: we hunger for re-creation into wholeness.ALL: Anoint us, O God, with the Spirit of Your mercy!

THE BLESSING & LAYING-ON-OF-HANDS[The people come forward to the Table, and, as theystand or kneel, the Celebrant (and an appointedCompanion minister, if needed) proceeds to lay handson each person, saying:

“Receive the healing power of your Creator and Sustainer into your heart, your mind, your body,and your soul”

or other healing words of God’s grace; the Celebrant will then ask someone present to bless him/her in asimilar manner][Silence is maintained for some moments...a bell is thenrung three times to awaken the Community to NewLife...and the Celebrant continues]

Celebrant: We awaken to the sound of our continuinghealing into New Life!

People: We are now truly awake to the healing power ofGod within us and amongst us!

Celebrant: For the Peace of God is now within you!People: And also within you!

[All those present now bless and greet each other][A bell is rung as the celebration continues...]

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THE CONSECRATIONCelebrant: We gather at the Table, a place and a Spirit of

perpetual hope and healing;People: Alleluia! Your mercy and healing is an ever-

flowing stream of compassion and strengthwithin us!

Celebrant: As You beckoned Your company of Companionstogether for the celebration of holy havurah,

People: So you call us to share this celebration togetherin Your Presence once again,

Celebrant: Reminding us that we are healed and whole inthe Spirit of the Christ.

People: For he took bread, blessed it, broke it, andshared it with the words:

[A bell is rung]Celebrant: “Feed yourself and others with this Bread of

New Life, for of such nourishment is the Christwithin you.”

People: And he took the cup of common drink, blessed it,and offered it to all, saying:

[A bell is rung]Celebrant: “My dearly beloved brothers and sisters, your

thirst for New Life may now be quenchedforever!”

People: Let us share, then, these priceless Gifts we areoffered!

[The Celebrant and another person then share the Giftsamong the Community—saying “Receive theChrist-Spirit” and “The Cup of New Life” or other appropriate words—with ALL people who seek the Christ withinthem being invited to the Meal; after all have beenserved, the Celebrant receives the Elements for thosewho are not physically present, and then continues…]

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THE COMMISSIONCelebrant: Alleluia, we have been healed and fed in a new

and eternal Covenant!People: Then let us go forth with the commitment and

commission offered by our Companion, St.Francis:

Celebrant: O Christ, make us instruments of your peace.Where there is hatred,

People: let us sow love.Celebrant: Where there is injury,People: let us offer pardon.Celebrant: Where there is discord,People: let us seek union.Celebrant: Where there is doubt,People: let us acknowledge faith.Celebrant: Where there is despair,People: let us offer hope.Celebrant: Where there is darkness,People: let us shed light.Celebrant: Where there is sadness,People: let us enliven joy.Celebrant: Allow us to console; allow us to understand,

allow us the Grace to love,People: for it is in giving that we receive;Celebrant: it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;People: and it is in dying that we are born to New Life!

Amen.

THE COMMUNITY BLESSINGCelebrant: Let us go forth, then, with all the saints, to offer

amends, to share forgiveness, to feed and healand bless and beckon!

People: Yes, let us go forth as many in One! Let us goforth to be the Body of Christ!

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Celebrant: For the Blessing of God our Creator,God the Universal Christ, andGod the Spiritual Manifestation of Grace andHope goes with us all, now and forever.

People: Amen! So be it! Amen!

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A Liturgyof

Holy Union[The Celebrant/Presider, as well as the couple, shouldreview the “Notes on the Rite of Holy Union” which canbe found on pages 94-97 .When the people have gathered the Celebrant/Presider)begins:]

THE GREETINGWelcome and greetings to this sacred rite of love,

commitment, and acceptance.The celebration of commitment to a life together is a

time for good wishes, feasting and joy. Jesus shared such anoccasion in Cana of Galilee where, in his first miracle, he gavea sign of new beginnings by turning water into wine. The bondbetween two people shows us the mystery of the union betweenGod and God's people, and between Christ and the church, andthe Holy Scriptures point to the centrality of love as theprincipal sign of God's presence. Through the blessing of theirlove for each other and their children or family or friends, ingood times and bad, the couple shares together in the spirit ofJesus Christ, and extend hospitality to others.

Today N. and N. come before each other and theirfriends and family and this community to make their promisesand join the church in blessing God for their relationship. Asmembers of the community, you witness their commitment andexpress your support by your presence and prayers.

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THE DECLARATION OF CONSENT[The Celebrant/Presider asks the following]

Celebrant: N., will you accept N. as your partner in life, andpromise to be united to (him/her) in love andsupport for each other?

I will. Blessed be God who visits me inN.’slove.

[And to the other]Celebrant: N., will you accept N. as your partner in life, and

promise to be united to (him/her) in love andsupport for each other?

I will. Blessed be God who visits me inN.’slove.

COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONAND COVENANT

[The Celebrant/Presider addresses the congregation]Celebrant: From your experience of the lives and beliefs of

N. and N., will you honor this decision made bythem to covenant a common life in sacredcommitment?

People: We will!Celebrant: Will you honor their promises of commitment

and faithfulness each to the other?People: We will!Celebrant: Will you support and encourage them in their

love, forgiveness, struggle, and joy of eachother?

People: We will!

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Celebrant: Will you continue to remind them—and eachother in community—of the Christ-spirit withinthem?

People: We will, by God’s Grace!Celebrant: Do you, then, with joy and affirmation, present

N., whom you know well, to declare (his/her)commitment to N.?

People: We do!Celebrant: And in that same spirit of joy and affirmation, do

you present N., whom you know well, to declare(his/her) commitment to N.?

People: We do!

THE WORD

Reading (Chosen by the couple, read by a friend or familymember)

Reading (Chosen by the couple, read by a friend or familymember)

The Gospel (Chosen by the couple, read by a friend or familymember)

[Music or a song may be included here][The Celebrant/Presider or other person may offer ahomily here]

THE VOWS[The Celebrant/Presider asks the couple to face eachother, to join hands, and to repeat, individually, thefollowing:]In the Name of God, I, N., take you, N., to be my spouseand life-partner, to have and to hold from this day

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forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer,in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until weare parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

[And to the other]In the Name of God, I, N., take you, N., to be my spouseand life-partner, to have and to hold from this dayforward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer,in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until weare parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS[The Celebrant/Presider asks each of the couple torepeat the following words, individually; each ring isblessed before the words are recited]N., I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, andwith all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; inthe Name of God, I declare this.

[And the other]

N., I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, andwith all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; inthe Name of God, I declare this.

THE DECLARATION OF UNITYAND COMMITMENT

[The Celebrant/Presider offers suitable words, declaringthe unity of these two people in a life-long commitment]

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THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE[The Celebrant/Presider beckons community prayer bysaying]

Celebrant: Let us pray together.0 God, Source of all life, we ask your prayers forN. and N., that they may be filled with God'sblessing and grow in love for each other withunashamed faithfulness throughout their lifetogether.

People: O God, hear our prayer.Celebrant: May N. and N. have the courage to recognize and

forgive each other's faults, bearing each other'sburdens and exemplifying for us forgiveness andreconciliation. May their life together be a signof God's faithful love for the world.

People: O God, hear our prayer.Celebrant: We ask your prayers for the earth and all of

God's creation, that we may nourish it in Yourname,

People: O God, hear our prayer.Celebrant: We ask your prayers for the welfare of the world,

for peace and respect among nations, for all theleaders of the world and all men and women andchildren everywhere,

People: O God, hear our prayer.Celebrant: We pray for justice in our own land, in our

society, in our homes; for the sick and the poor,the destitute, the unemployed, the lonely, thebereaved, those suffering from addictions, andall victims of hatred and intolerance,

People: O God, hear our prayer.Celebrant: We pray from the yearnings of our hearts, from

those concerns and thanksgivings which we nowpresent before God:

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[The people are invited to pray aloud or silently thoseconcerns or thanksgivings they wish to offer]

Celebrant: 0 God, Ruler of all, you made us in your imageand likeness and bestowed upon us everlastinglife. You commanded your apostles to be unitedby the law of love. Hear the prayers of yourpeople and grant to N. and N. grace to love eachother in joy all the daysof their lives. For you are a compassionate Godand a lover of human beings and all of Creation,and we glorify you, the Source of all, the Wordof Wisdom, and the Holy Spirit, one God inglory everlasting. Amen.

People: Amen.

THE COMMUNITY BLESSINGCelebrant: Blessed are You, Our God, for you have brought

together the hearts and souls of N. and N., in ourwitness.Give holy spirit, we pray, to each and both ofthem.Make their life together a sign of trust, a blessingupon the whole world.N. and N., may the Christ live in your hearts asyour blessing. May you flourish together, andrejoice in your cherished friends and familymembers.May God grant you the good that endures, andbring you to everlasting joy.Father God/Mother God will surely bless you aswere blessed Abraham and Sarah, Isaac andRebecca, Ruth and Naomi, David and Jonathan,Joseph and Mary, Jesus and the BelovedDisciple, and all the saints, both ancient and

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present who have offered themselveswholeheartedly one to the other.Go in peace, then, to your new home, knowingthat you are members of a new covenant, andblessed by this sacred congregation here present..Be strong and of good courage. Reach out toeach other in all sorts of embarrassing andencompassing ways, so that you may touch andgrow together.Say to each other often those words and blessingwhich we now say to one another in thisgathering:

“The Peace of God be always with you!”People: And also with you!

[All those present greet and bless one another in joyand celebration; if there is to be a Communion, itcontinues here.][Music may be included here.]

be of lovea little

more carefulthan of

everything

e e cummings

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A LITURGY FOR THE

SPIRITUAL COMMITMENTOF

GODPARENTINGAlthough it has certainly been a practice in many traditions toappoint and acknowledge Godparents within the rite of infantor child baptism, we have found that in today’s world there aresituations in which a young person has already been baptized,but who has no Godparents...yet wishes to forge such a spiritualrelationship with one or more adults. Such a decision can bemade in mutual dialogue of children, parents, and friends, toascertain whether this joyous rite is appropriate to the child.The rite is included in the Eucharist, following the Prayers ofthe People:

Celebrant: Dear Companions in Christ: it is a sacred,solemn, and joyous occasion whenever pilgrimsof a Christ Community wish to offer themselvesin mutual commitment of heart and soul, one toanother. Such a ritual is that of spiritualGodparents and Godchildren, in which eachoffers the bond of love, solidarity, and mutualsharing on the common journey through life. Itis a hope of reciprocal teaching and learning,talking and listening, declaring and exchanging...but, mainly, it is a sacred promise to be truthfullyand openly and morally involved, on whateverresponsible level, one with another. And so, inthe presence of this Christ Community, these

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pilgrims come now to formally declare theirdesire to live such a holy relationship.

[to the child]Please state your name to this Community. (N.),being of an age at which you can answer foryourself in sincerity and acceptance, do youdeclare that you wish to accept (N. and N.) asyour spiritual Godparents?

Child: I do, in the grace of God.[to the Godparents]

Celebrant: (N. and N.) in the witness of this gathered Christcommunity, do you declare that you wish toaccept (N.) as your spiritual Godchild?

Godparents: We do, in the grace of God.Celebrant: Do you understand the responsibility of this act,

the commitment to this child, the sacredrelationship which you are here and nowestablishing? Are you prepared to offeryourselves as mentors, guides, and servant-leaders in the free exchange of both mind andsoul?

Godparents: We gladly and joyfully accept this bond andrelationship in Christ.

[to the Community]Celebrant: Will all of you witnessing these declarations do

all in your power to support and encourage theseCompanions in Christ in their new and sacredrelationship?

ALL: [Loudly] We will!Celebrant: It is therefore in joy and celebration that we

acknowledge and bless these statements ofmutual commitment...

[The sign of the Cross is made on the forehead of theGodparents and Godchild]

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And now we witness the sacred covenantbetween God and all of us as children, thatcovenant which unites us as brothers and sisters,as we declare in gratitude and glory:The Peace of God be always with you!

People: And also with you![All those present greet and bless one another]

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A LITURGY

FOR THE SACRAMENT OFRECONCILIATION

BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE

In common consent, two people may come together to join inprayer, to communicate with God and each other, and toacknowledge the Holy Presence in their relationship. Thissacred act is done in the privacy of the two pilgrims, or—if theywish it so—in the company of their spiritual community. Theliturgy begins with a minute of centering silence, after whichone of them begins, with the other offering the responses:

Companion: O God, our Creator, Sustainer, and Counselor,Response: We ask You to help us fill this void between us.Companion: We seek Your wisdom so that we may be wise in

our relationship.Response: We seek Your assistance in finding our self in the

other.Companion: We know that we are both children of God,Response: equally loved, equally gifted, equally human.Companion: We know deep within us that the Christ lives in

our hearts and souls;Response: we seek ways of seeing and knowing the Christ

in the other.Companion: We come to you and to each other with certain

fears and uncertainties from our past,Response: with memories of previous hurts and pain and

struggles with other people in our past.Companion: We ask You, then, to help us stay in the present

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moment, to forgive ourselves of limitations orfailings or disappointments in our personalhistories,

Response: so that we may hear our mutual struggles, thatwe may hear Your healing words between us.

Companion: We ask You to help each of us to be humble andhonest, to offer empathy and compassion,

Response: to share the many similarities among us, ratherthan the few differences between us.

Companion: Allow us to know that our minor separationsmay disappear into the bond of true friendship.

Response: Allow us to remember the shortness of life onthis earth, and how important it is to trust andlove others, as well as ourselves;

Companion: Allow each of us to search our memories, ourhearts, and our souls to bring forth those gifts toshare with the other,

Response: those experiences, those learnings, thosediscoveries about ourselves which need to beforgiven or forgotten,

Companion: as well as those discoveries which may bring usinto closer companionship with each other,

Response: and to share those times of laughter, tears,struggle, and joy.

Companion: We both make mistakes and fail in some things,O God,

Response: and so You taught us to forgive, to heal, tocontinue to grow.

[Each pilgrim places a hand on the shoulder of theother]

Companion: We thank You, God, for your Presence amongus,

Response: for reminding us that we have many gifts to offerthe other,

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Companion: that we have much to learn from the other,Response: that we are called to nurture each other,Companion: that we are a real and a spiritual part of each

other,Response: just as we are members of Your new family of

grace.Companion: In Your Spirit of forgiveness,Response: in Your Spirit of new beginnings,Companion: in Your Spirit of embracing us just as we are,Response: we now embrace each other as we are...

[After embracing, each of the pilgrims takes turns inblessing the other, by putting a hand on the forehead ofthe other and saying]

“I bless you in your life; I bless you in your sacredness;I bless you with my heart and soul. Amen.”

[If possible, the two pilgrims agree on a time in the nexttwenty-fours hours when they might spend at least ahalf-hour together in sharing some of their ownmemories and experiences, each having equal time tospeak and listen]

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Prayers

ofBlessing and Healing

A Prayer of GratitudeOur Creator and Sustainer, we offer deepest thanks for theGrace which You offer us as we strive to serve others. We givethanks that You protect us from superiority or false-humility,from unrealistic expectations or unrighteous judgment. We arethankful that You give us the sight to see Your Presence in allthose we serve, so that we are able to acknowledge the Christ inourselves. We thank You for our ability to express joy and griefand compassion in Your Name, even as we allow others to dolikewise. Thanks for all that has been, for all that is, for all thatwill be, in Your present and future Domain. Amen.

A Prayer of CommitmentO Divine Companion, who knows every part of our hearts andminds and souls, we ask that You fill us with sacred sincerity aswe offer our work and service to others. Allow us to understandthe Grace-full commitment of living in the simplicity of theGospel. May our ministry—full of talents and gifts andstumblings and errors—be a statement and a sacrament of YourPresence in our life and being, so that we have love andforgiveness for others as well as for ourselves. Amen.

Prayers to bless mealsWe pause now, O Loving Creator, to accept the gift of thebounty of Your Creation. May we remember to share our foodand our lives, as we remember those who also seek suchnourishment. May we share our love and conversation, as we

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remember those who are alone. May we sustain our health, aswe remember those who are ill. May we allow Your Love andPeace to be at this table, as we remember our brothers andsisters who have no table or food. For all things, let us bethankful for Your Grace, as we say together, Amen.

orO Creator and Giver of all good gifts, we are nourished daily byYour Spirit, by companionship and love, even as we feast onunderstanding and forgiveness. As we share this meal, allow usto share our lives with words and laughter and listening,remembering your acts of foot-washing and humility. We pausenow to be mindful of Your continuous Presence in those aroundus, offering unending thanks for the blessings we receive, notonly in our lives, but also in this food. In that gratitude, we saytogether, Amen.

A Prayer before a gatheringOur Eternal Counselor and Comforter, allow us to be aware ofYour Presence at this gathering. Gift us with the spirit of truelistening, of humor and humility, of genuine words andexpression, so that each may be as a sacrament of thiscommunion together. May this dialogue, along with all theactions of our lives, evidence the Presence of Your Domain inour midst. In thanks for those blessings in our lives, we say,Amen.

A Prayer before visiting someone who is illO Divine Healer, fill our entire being with compassion andstrength, so that we may carry Your Blessings to our brothersand sisters. May we heal by our presence in Your Name. Mayour presence remind our friend of the love and caring of ourcommunity. Guide us, we pray, so that what we say and doabounds with honesty, sanctity, and hope, even as we acceptwhatever gifts are offered to us in return. Remind us, O Blessed

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Teacher, that even as we minister, so are we ministered unto. Inthe hope of healing for others and ourselves, we say, Amen.

A Prayer for a Companion who is illO Divine Healer, we offer these prayers for our Companion(name) who struggles with the dis-ease of bodily weakness. Wepause together to pray for (his/her) needs, for courage to facesuch struggles, for remembrance of the community which lovesand supports (him/her). We ask You to surround this place withthe Light of your healing touch, with the ever-present Spirit ofYour concern, with the medicine of Your unending Love. Mayour companion know peace and serenity even in the midst ofthis struggle, as (he/she) knows that we, too, continue to loveand care. As we pray for healing and health, we ask especiallyfor the sense of the Sacred in this day and for evermore. And wesay, in humility and trust, Amen.

A Laying-on-of-Hands for one who is illO Source of all Gifts, we ask for the special gift of health andwholeness for our Companion (name). As we trust fully in theDivine Power of Your Grace, we ask that the sacred powers ofhealing be called forth in Your Name, as we know that truehealing is finally a greater awareness of Your Presence.(To the ill person:)With abounding hope and faith, we now place our hands uponyou, calling forth thehealing medicine of God’s Grace. And we make the sign of the Cross upon you, as a sure and certainsignature of the Presence of God in your body and your life.From this act, from this trust, may you know that Presence thatlifts all burdens and offers all hope, this day and forevermore.Amen.

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A LITANY

FOR A COMPANION NEARDEATH

If possible, it is desirable that the Litany be said by thecongregated family, friends, and community members of the illperson; the Litany is read responsively:

Companion: O God, our Creator and Eternal Parent,People: have mercy on us and especially on Your

servant, (name).Companion: O God the Son, bearer of our tribulations and

pain,People: have mercy on us and especially on Your

servant, (name).Companion: O God, Holy Spirit, Companion in our lives,People: have mercy on us and especially on Your

servant, (name).Companion: O God, Source of all that is and will be,People: hear our personal and community plea.Companion: From all threat, from all fear, from all

uncertainty and anguish,People: deliver all of us and especially (name).Companion: By Your Infinite compassion,People: O God, deliver us and especially (name).Companion: Even as we struggle with the fear and frustration

of our limitations in science and human healing,we know that You will continue to comfort andprotect and transform Your dear one, (name);

People: for Your Presence is eternal, O God;Companion: that You continue to forgive us and our

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Companion (name) of any separation of spiritand will which may distance us from You;

People: for we know that You forgive us, O God.Companion: that You continue to beckon us and (name) to

that place of refreshment and everlastingblessings;

People: for we know that You bless us, O God.Companion: that You continue to inspirit (name) and all of us

with joy and gladness in Your eternal Dominion,with all Your saints in Light;

People: for we know that You bestow Eternal Life, OGod.

Companion: With grateful remembrance, and in the light ofGrace, we say together:Our Creator in heaven,Holy is Your Name;Your reign has come,Your will be doneon earth as it is in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us.Strengthen us in the time of trial,and deliver us from evil.For the Dominion,the Power,and the Glory are Yours,now and forever.Amen.

Companion: Deliver Your servant, (name), O Christ, from allimpediments and bonds, that (he/she) may restwith all your saints in Your eternal Home.

People: Receive (him/her), O Christ, into that joyousplace with You.

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Companion: Allow us to be continually thankful, O Christ, forthe Grace which connects each of us to Yourservant, (name),

People: for through (him/her) we have known gifts ofYour Grace.

Companion: Thanks be to God.People: Thanks be to God.Companion: Let us continue to know and speak (his/her)

name with gladness and joy;People: to remember and praise this life among us, O

Christ.Companion: Receive (him/her) into Your caring arms, O

Christ,People: as a sheep of Your own flock,Companion: as a servant of Your own Word,People: as a child of Your own Creation.Companion: And, as always, be with us, too, O Christ,People: as we struggle through this vigil with our

Companion and friend.Companion: Give us strength, O Christ.People: Give us strength, O Christ.Companion: Give us courage, O Christ.People: Give us courage, O Christ.Companion: Give us hope, O Christ.People: Give us hope, O Christ.Companion: As we say with one voice:ALL: Amen.

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PRAYERS

OF MOURNING, REMEMBRANCE, ANDGRATITUDE

A Commendation at the time of deathDepart, o blessed soul, from this world, now free of all limitingbonds, of all suffering and pain, of all needless struggles.Depart in the Name of the Eternal Parent who created you, ofthe Son who accompanies you, of the Holy Spirit who sanctifiesyou.Depart, our Companion and friend, knowing that our prayersand love go with you. We offer our prayers of gratitude for thegifts of Grace which you offered us. May you rest in divinepeace, and may your dwelling place be in the promisedParadise.[As a sign of the Cross is made on the forehead, hand, and footof the deceased:]Into Your arms, O Merciful God, we commend Your servant,(name). Accept (him/her), we pray, into that eternal placewhich is the limitless love of Your Heart and the endless caringof Your holy Parenthood. In the Name of our Blessed Creator,we say together, Amen.

A Prayer for those who mournO Blessed One, Healer of hearts and souls, we ask for YourPresence of light and comfort as we mourn the earthly loss of(name). Allow us the courage to face directly the tremendoussense of loss we feel at this time, as we try to imagine ourcommunity without (him/her). Knowing that You have offereda place of rest and eternal peace to all who have passed to YourDominion, let us offer our own peace and love to one another as

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we struggle through this difficult time. Let us be open andsharing with all of our God-given emotions, trusting that Youwill offer Grace to us as we feel this grief. Allow us rememberthat Your Presence is in those around us, so that we shall not behesitant to touch and connect. For the life which has brought usGrace—and for the community we continue now together—weoffer endless thanks to You and Your comforting Spirit, as wesay together, Amen.

A Prayer of RemembranceO Eternal Spirit, the Keeper of the Book of Life, hear both ourpain and our joy as we remember the life and spirit of (name).Allow us to celebrate the moments of life which we shared;allow us to forgive ourselves, as You forgive us, for the frailtieswe may have shown in this dear relationship; allow us to seethat there are others in our life, too, who give us grace and love.We pray that You will keep our friend and Companion with youinto eternity, in the peacefulness of Your Dominion, so that theremembrance of such a gift in our life will never be forgotten.In gratitude and grace, we say together, Amen.

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Documents

Prayer Book '03-WEB - Order of Christian Workers · 2006. 4. 2. · St. Dismas Community has become known regionally and nationally as a safe and sacred place for pilgrims who struggle